Switzerland Tourism suggests travellers visiting Basel this summer to join in the fun at the annual Basel Rhine Swim taking place on 16 August.

Hosted by the Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG Basel, the event not only promotes the sport, but importantly, appreciating the city’s natural assets and a healthy lifestyle.

Director of Switzerland Tourism AU & NZ, Mark Wettstein, says swimming in the Rhine during the warm summer months is very much a popular local activity which more visitors should participate in as it helps them meet locals and experience the local lifestyle.

“There is no better way to experience a city like a local than to jump in and do what they do,” says Mark. “Swimming in the Rhine to relax and cool off on a warm day is what many locals enjoy doing whether it’s during the day, after work or on weekends. It’s social and as a visitor, it also gives one a slightly different perspective of the city and of city life in Switzerland.

“The fact is we are never far from the mountains or water in Switzerland, and every opportunity we have, be it in the city or countryside, we will try to connect with our surrounds as much as possible through activities and events,” he adds. “And we strongly encourage our visitors to do the same as that makes up a large part of their authentic Swiss experience.

Basel is a 53min train ride from Zurich and 1hr from Luzern. The Basel Rhine Swim event is scheduled to start at 18:00hr onTuesday 16 August at Schaffhauserrheinweg 93 by the Münsterfähre ferry on the bank of the Rhine in Kleinbasel. It will end at Leuengasse / Johanniterbrücke.

Accompanied by water vessels and lifeguards, swimmers at the event can drift down the Rhine for about 15 minutes over a distance of approximately 1.8 km. During the event, the Rhine will be closed to boats and ships.

As a safety precaution, visitors should speak to locals on the common rules of swimming in the Rhine as the waterway is shared with river cruise ships and boats. More information can also be obtained from the local tourist office or on www.myswitzerland.com and www.basel.ch.